Literary self-loathing: How Jonathan Franzen, Elizabeth Gilbert and more keep it at bay - Salon.com

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“I think the question of self-loathing vs. self-confidence is a false
choice when it comes to writing,” Gilbert says. “I don’t think those are
the only two possibilities for How To Be as a writer. (Either blustery
or withering, in other words. Both of which are just the opposite ends
of extreme narcissism.) I think there are writers who take a quieter
approach to their work — one that is just about respectfully showing up
for your vocation day after day, steadily doing your best, and letting
go of the results. Not going to war against anyone else, or against
their talents, or against themselves.